Have I mentioned how much I adore all things Picnik? Not only is it a fantastic resource for quick and easy online photo editing, (check out my frugal Christmas card photo) but bloggers will also appreciate the many options for DIY graphics.
Need a quick button? Logo? Even a header? Picnik to the rescue. No graphic design experience is necessary to enjoy the user-friendly features.
A bloggy button by a designer can cost upwards of $25! But check out this quick one I whipped up myself on Picnik for an upcoming carnival.
I started with an image I purchased for one credit on iStockphoto, but any image will do.
Here is the “before”.
I uploaded this image to my Picnik account, cropped it and added a border. Then I added my text, and chose the fonts, colors, and exact locations.
Here are the results, after about ten minutes of playing with the options:
Not bad for a total amateur, huh? 
There are so many possibilities with Picnik, I could spend hours simply exploring.
Picnik has a limited free version that is perfect for basic editing and storage. There are some even cooler features with the paid premium for $24.95 a year (about $2.08 per month).
Keep in mind that if you are blogger who monetizes, you can write this off as a business expense on your taxes. I have enjoyed the paid version for several months and feel it is well worth the cost!
Have you tried Picnik?
By the way, my annual Frugal Easter Eggstravaganza will be kicking off on March 22nd!
For more frugal ways, visit Life As Mom. This post is linked to DIY Day.
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with Picnik in any way. I just truly love their product! 
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I’ve been looking for something like this!! Thanks for the tip about picnik and iStockphoto too. Can’t wait to try my hand at button design!
Lisa´s last blog ..Baci Bistro
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Thank you so much for sharing this great tip! I’d love to have my own button and will give it a try. Thanks again
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That is great! Thank you so much for sharing! I always wondered how to do that…
Alicia´s last blog ..Menu Plan Monday- Meals My Mom Made
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Excellent tips… I just started using picnik recently and have not even begun to explore what I could do. THANKS for sharing, my theme buttons definitely need work.
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I adore Picnik! Didn’t realize I could use stock photos too! Looks great!
Amy @ Raising Arrows´s last blog ..The To-Do List – Getting Started
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Thank you for sharing – this is very helpful! But once I have made my button – how do I post the button and coding on my blog so that others can use my button?
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Very cute!!!
Suddenly Cinderella´s last blog ..This is a test
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What a cool tool! I’ve been searching for an inexpensive way to personalize my blog with buttons. I’ll definitely be giving picnic a whirl. Thanks for sharing!
Doing the Mom Thing´s last blog ..Our First Hug
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Thanks so much for this easy tip. I finally was able to create an image for my Christmas Challenge. WOO HOO!
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I love Picnik!! I use it all the time for everything!! Between Picasa and Picnik, the possibilities are {almost} endless!
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I found Picnik through you when you posted your Christmas picture and mentioned it. I have LOVED it ever since. I have been debating whether or not to purchase the extras, but lately I have been having trouble when using it. It often will just suddenly shut down my internet in the middle of editing. I contacted them about it, and they said they are aware of the problem happening and gave me all these things to try. But they were all jargon I had no idea what they were talking about. Now I’m scared to buy the extras if it keeps doing this. Now, I just make sure I only upload one pic at a time and save it, then close out and come back to do the next one. And I make sure not to have any other internet sites open at the same time. It’s a pain…… Anyone else having these troubles? My computer is less than a year old, so it’s not that……
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Hi Alyssa,
I just wanted to comment on here because I don’t think my email went through. I wanted to share with you about a great website called http://www.kidsmealdeals.com. You type your zip code in and it shows the kids meal freebies and deals in your local area. Also, I love that dryer sheet video you did, I can’t remember where I saw it. Would I be able to share that on my blog or was it made for that spacific blog?
Thank you soooo much~
Rene’
rene´s last blog ..Taste of Home digital cookbooks FREE
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I just read this week that Picnik was acquired by Google so that probably is a good thing.
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I’ve wondered how to do this, too! I linked to it on my weekly roundup – post is under my name. Thanks for sharing!
Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..Link Roundup – Bribe Edition
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Thanks Alyssa for the heads up on istock! I am loving perusing all the images. Giving me lots of ideas! Thanks for sharing!
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This is FABULOUS! Thanks for the info…
We have a friday fun find party (that’s still going)- if you’re interested, we’d love it if you’d link up!
kirstin´s last blog ..friday fun finds: sew basic! series at ruffles & stuff
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 14th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Awesome, thanks for inviting me to link up!
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I had bookmarked this post and finally got a chance to try picnik. Love it, love it, love it! Thanks for all your helpful tips – I love my new blog button and since I used my own photo it was FREE!! Thank you!
Lisa´s last blog ..Kalama Beach Park
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Lisa,
I just went and checked out your new button, it’s adorable! I am so glad you found this helpful. BTW, I used to live on Maui.
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What a great post. I just completed my first button but I have two more to do.. and wondered the best way to get it done. Great tips..
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